Back
15.03.2023Europa League

Hradecky ahead of #FTCB04: Be humble and work hard

The Werkself visit the Hungarian capital one week after the 2-0 home win against Ferencváros in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie with eyes focused on the target of reaching the quarter-finals. Head coach Xabi Alonso and captain Lukas Hradecky talked at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game on Thursday 16 March (kick-off: 21.00 CET) about the situation in the tie and the great football euphoria in Hungary – which goalkeeper Hradecky is very familiar with.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

The Werkself had just three days to recover after the energy-sapping 3-2 away win at Werder Bremen. Head coach Xabi Alonso declared at the pre-match press conference that his team has "good energy" in spite of that.

Not just the energy but also the mood within his team gives the Spaniard confidence looking at the second leg against the Hungarian record champions and record cup winners. Alonso added: "We are ready for the game and looking forward to this European night with a great atmosphere!"

over 65,000 Fans in the stands

The Werkself play Ferencváros on Thursday night at the Puskas Arena, Hungary's national stadium. The biggest ground in the land, opened in 2019 and also the venue for this year's Europa League final, has a capacity of over 65,000 and will be very close to being sold out on Thursday night.

crop_20230315_JS_FTC_B04_MD1_0693.jpg

One person who is very familiar with the football euphoria in Hungary is Lukas Hradecky. The Werkself captain has played in Budapest several times in the past with the Finnish national team: "I know the Hungarian fans, they support their teams from the first minute. There will be a really good atmosphere and it will be a great experience!"

The situation ahead of the second leg is better compared with the play-off against AS Monaco (3-2 defeat in first leg), "nevertheless we have to be aware that Ferencváros are capable of turning round this Round of 16 game," said Hradecky who finish by saying: "We have to be humble and work hard."

Related News

#MCIB04 in der Youth League
U19 - 25.11.2025

6-0 defeat in the Youth League - U19s downed by Manchester City

After a goalless and at times evenly-matched first half, Bayer 04's U19s ultimately suffered a heavy defeat at Manchester City. Coach Kevin Brok's depleted side - including five players who were part of the senior squad for the Champions League game in the evening - lost 6-0 on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Youth League.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #MCIB04
Champions League - 25.11.2025

Matchday news #MCIB04: First meeting with unbeaten Manchester City

The Werkself face Manchester City for the very first time on Tuesday for Matchday 5 of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21:00 CET). The hosts sit fourth in the standings and boast huge quality in attack, while Leverkusen are looking to improve their meagre record of just one win from the last 10 games away at English clubs. A key player in that regard could be Aleix Garcia, the former City midfielder who ranks highly in several passing metrics in the Champions League this season. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.

Show more
crop_B04_SoundOfDreams_ManCityBayer04_christianhedel--1690779.jpg
Champions League - 25.11.2025

Live blog: The Werkself away to Manchester City ✈️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The Werkself's next European trip takes them to the north-west of England as Kasper Hjulmand's side take on Manchester City on Tuesday, 25 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET) on Matchday 5 in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. As usual, we'll take you along on the #aCROSSeurope journey and report from Manchester. All times listed are in CET.

Show more
Schwarz-Rote Woche Tag 1
Bayer 04 - 25.11.2025

Black and Red Week 2025 - Day 1: Ticket and jersey special

The annual Black and Red Week has started. Day one, Tuesday 25 November, includes a special ticket offer for Bayer 04 Club members and a special jersey offer for all Werkself fans...

Show more